Are items you get from the hospital after birth free? (planning on a WHC birth w/ Kaiser insurance)

[Anonymous]

FTM here, and trying to learn what I can be and be cost effective. I've been reading a bunch of the "what to buy in advance" threads, and many people talk about getting as many items from the hospital as possible - mesh underwear, large pads, peri bottles, "pain spray" - which I assume is some kind of numbing spray?

I've also heard that some of these items will appear on your final bill, and at a significant mark up from what you could purchase them on your own.

Anyone have experience with this in the DC area hospitals? I know we probably all have different types of insurance, but I'm curious about your experience.

(and if anyone has a specific experience at Washington Hospital Center with Kaiser insurance, that would be my situation)

[Anonymous]

I delivered at Sibley with Kaiser back when Sibley was an option. They did give me everything on your list except for the numbing spray, which my DH bought at the pharmacy I think (I recommend it - it was so helpful). We also took home some of the diaper changing pads (like the cloth things they put on the changing pad) which was helpful. And baby blankets and hats.

We never paid anything for anything related to the birth/our hospital stay. Everything was covered by the Kaiser insurance.

[Anonymous]

Gave birth at WHC in January (although not Kaiser). We took everything we could get our hands on - numbing spray (I actually asked for extra of this cause I loved it), pads, those witch hazel things, peri bottles, cleansing wipes, mesh undies, diapers, vaseline, etc, etc. Started packing it up the day before so they would refill and we could take more. No additional charges, just my $500 hospital co-pay.

[Anonymous]

I'm a mom of 4 and i find the pads aren't worth it - I like the always from the pharmacy better.

Also depends how badly you tore.

[Anonymous]

I delivered at WHC with Kaiser, and absolutely did not receive an itemized bill. They had brought out the basics - the mesh undies, some ice packs, etc. - and made it clear they were for me to take (same with nipple cream and diapers - there was no need for me to aggressively grab things). They also gave me a can of Dermoplast pain spray, and I pretty quickly made DH run out for more once we got home because I loved it so much.

That said, there were some store-bought versions I simply preferred - I’m really petite, and was waaaaayyy happier in Depends from CVS than the mesh undies, which fit poorly and uncomfortably on me.

[Anonymous]

Like everyone has said, all the extras should be free. I even grabbed all the baby diapers from the room before we left. I much preferred using store bought pads over any of the stuff from the hospital, though. Used the thin heavy flow variety for about a week and then just regular thin. It depends on if you have tearing etc but I definitely didn’t need to or want to wear a diaper after any of my births.

[Anonymous]

Most insurance pays a bundled rate for a birth. So while you may see an EOB where there are broken down costs, it’s all covered Under the negotiated rate between the doctor and issuer. You will be responsible for your co pay.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't buy too much ahead of time because everyone's experience is different. I had a c-section and was done with pads and mesh undies pretty quickly, so the stash I grabbed from the hospital was plenty. Take what you can from the hospital and you can always buy more of what you like/find useful!

[Anonymous]

I delivered twice at Sibley when it was a Kaiser option and never received an itemized bill for anything. Only thing I will say is that they were definitely stingier the second time around (no second full pack of diapers, no formula, etc.). Everything else was the same, and “free.”